Why ADHD In Women Could Be Your Next Big Obsession
Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women can also be affected by ADHD symptoms, though they are more prevalent for boys and men. The symptoms can vary based on the time of year, due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms. A diagnosis and treatment are essential first steps. Managing ADHD through therapy and medication improves relationships, work and school performance. Symptoms Women with ADHD often have inattentive symptoms rather than the hyperactive/impulsive type more common in boys and men. This could have to do with the structure of the brain or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Also, female hormones change throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy which affects the effectiveness of ADHD medication works. Symptoms of ADHD can also be disguised by a variety of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. www.iampsychiatry.uk who suffer from these disorders often feel ashamed of their symptoms and do not report them to their doctor, making it difficult to diagnose and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas of a woman's daily life. For example, it can make it difficult to maintain the job or keep up with schoolwork. It can also lead to financial issues, like being late to appointments or paying bills, and late payments. It can cause low self-esteem and affect relationships. Women with ADHD are also unable to navigate gender roles in society and are more likely to internalize symptoms, which can lead to their stress and anxiety in relationships. Symptoms of ADHD are more severe over time. They can also become more prominent when an individual is stressed or experiencing some major life change. For example women may experience more issues with symptoms at home or at work following getting divorced, being pregnant or having children. Women can manage their symptoms with the combination of behavioral strategies and therapy. A therapist can assist them to improve their overall performance by teaching them the art of time management and organizational skills. They could benefit from working with an ADHD coach or attending an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Girls and women may struggle to receive a clear diagnosis because of gender stereotypes and a tendency to hide ADHD symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD in girls and women tend to be more inattentive, whereas boys and men often have hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Because of this distinction in the symptom presentation females and girls are more likely to be misdiagnosed more frequently than boys and men. Inattention ADHD symptoms include disorganization, forgetfulness, or difficulties with time management at home and at work. This may result in missing appointments, having trouble paying bills on time, and struggling to keep up with schoolwork or work. Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD in women can present as restless behavior, frequent need to move around, difficulty staying quiet or talking out loud or saying nonsensical words or phrases. These symptoms can cause problems in relationships, at work and school and at home. For many years, ADHD has been considered an illness that affects only males and girls. The early studies of ADHD focused on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive, which helped shape the diagnostic criteria and rating systems still in use today. This led to the notion that ADHD was only a problem for boys. Many women and girls weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior was not in line with the stereotypes. Untreated ADHD can cause teenagers and girls to struggle with their daily lives as adults. Their struggles to manage their finances, maintain their home in order, and manage their daily routines may also result in feelings of being inadequate. Women can also be affected by mood issues like anxiety and depression that can make it more difficult to seek treatment. Treatment There are many treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. This includes medications. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin®), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall®) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®) help improve focus and motivation, reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and increase working memory and verbal memory. They can also reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will talk with you which medications best suit your particular condition. Your doctor may also recommend therapy in addition to medications. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn to manage your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. They can teach you healthy ways to cope and assist your family to comprehend the condition. They can also provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to identify negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones. They can also provide family psychoeducation which helps your loved one better comprehend ADHD and develop coping strategies. Women may have different ADHD symptoms than men. For example, a woman with inattentive-type ADHD may have trouble staying organized at home and work or be unable to remember appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. They may feel embarrassed or misunderstood by their symptoms. Changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause may influence your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan depends on your current hormone levels and your age as well as the stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms are more severe when you're pregnant as the increase in estrogen can help balance the chemicals in the brain. Your doctor may also suggest that you participate in a research study. These studies are designed to discover new ways to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions. Medication Women with ADHD have particular problems in managing their symptoms. They must contend with a complex interplay between gender expectations and executive function issues. They also have to contend with the sensitivity of rejection that can lead to feelings of shame when they can't meet social expectations. This can cause difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop strategies for coping to conceal their struggles and attempt to blend in, which can disguise their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own feelings of distress and often believe that their behavior is “normal.” Because of these issues that make it more difficult for women and girls to get an accurate diagnosis than males and females. Additionally the symptoms of women are more likely to be inattentive than hyperactive and thus do not easily trigger concern. This can lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment. The medications assist in reducing the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. These medications are often the first choice for those suffering from the disorder, but they should be monitored because some people can have a serious reaction to these medications. Non-stimulant drugs are also available, and they can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms. It's important for these individuals to tell their health care provider about any previous issues related to ADHD as they will be able to use this information to create an treatment plan. They could also ask their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional who has experience in treating ADHD both in girls and women. These professionals can provide psychotherapy and counseling along with strategies for managing lifestyle including job accommodations, as well as school accommodations. Support Women with ADHD have a variety of issues, including incorrect diagnosis or a lack of recognition of signs. The rating scales for ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behavior. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience internalized symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Women also experience different symptoms with inattention symptoms appearing more frequently than hyperactive or hyperactive symptoms. In the beginning, you should talk to your primary care physician. They will assess your symptoms and recommend you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis can help them face their issues and manage them better. A doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are also available for certain people. Doctors can also prescribe therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to help people change negative thoughts and behavior. They can also offer suggestions on how to improve communication and relationships. Family support is essential for managing the symptoms of ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people recognize the challenges ADHD presents in their lives. They can also learn how to deal with problems caused by inattention or impulsive behavior, such as inability to make decisions or forgetfulness. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to ask for help or admit they need assistance. A doctor can help overcome this obstacle by explaining how ADHD affects them and teaching them strategies for coping to boost their performance at school and at work. They may also ask their coworkers or teachers for minor adjustments that will help them succeed in class or at work.